Transfer window: England’s World Cup winners & losers (3)

The Losers

Joleon Lescott – Manchester CityJoleon Lescott seems somewhat unconcerned by his status as eternal back-up for Manchester City. Having been displaced by youngster Matija Nastasic last season, Lescott has struggled to re-affirm his place at the heart of the Citizens defence. Currently in the team due to injuries to Vincent Kompany and Nastasic, his place may be further under threat by the arrival of Martin Demichelis whom Pellegrini has brought from previous club Malaga. Having chosen to stay with City, Lescott missed out on Hodgson’s latest squad and Steven Caulker was drafted in when injuries struck the squad.

Jack Butland – Stoke CityWhen Jack Butland agreed to move to Stoke in January it appeared for all the world that Asmir Begovic would depart the Britannia Stadium and Butland would assume the number one position between the sticks. Alas Begovic remains and Butland’s prospects of football remain slimmer than the goalsposts he isn't busy defending and he could lose out to more experienced counterparts John Ruddy, Ben Foster or Fraser Forster.

Jack Rodwell – Manchester CityAnother fringe player that has opted to remain at Manchester City, Rodwell has flitted in and out of the England squad over the last few years failing to make himself a regular. Injuries have hampered his progression more than anything but the Everton academy graduate willfind games hard to come by this term following the arrival of Fernandinho to partner Yaya Toure in the heart of the City midfield and it could quash any slim World Cup hopes that remained for Rodwell.

James Milner – Manchester CityThe final of the Manchester City trio and a surprise addition to the list, Milner is the man with the most to lose. Whilst Milner remains a key part of the Manchester City squad the lack of a regular starting berth or specialist position may hamper his chance come June. For now he remains a key part of Hodgson’s plans and his versatility will go a long way to securing his place in Rio, although if regular starters hit form for their club at the right time it could be in the balance.

Jermain Defoe – Tottenham HotspurDefoe has been a part of the England setup for what feels like forever. Always dependable with lethal finishing the diminutive poacher boasts an impressive 19 goals in 54 caps for England but is now firmly behind Roberto Soldado in the White Hart Lane pecking order. Defoe’s experience should see him board the plane but with Darren Bent, Andy Carroll, Daniel Sturridge and Rickie Lambert all hot on his heels to take his place should the opportunities and goals dry up.

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